If you are working on a ReactJS project and you’ve integrated the Typed.js library for text animations, you might encounter some issues such as glitching text and a double cursor appearance. These glitches can be frustrating and may disrupt the user experience. In this article, we will explore the potential causes of these issues and provide solutions to help you overcome them effectively.
Understanding the Problem
The original problem statement can be summarized as follows:
"Typed.js is not functioning correctly in my ReactJS application. The text glitches, and there appears to be a double cursor."
Original Code Snippet
Here is a typical setup of Typed.js within a React component that might be causing these issues:
import React, { useEffect } from 'react';
import Typed from 'typed.js';
const TypedComponent = () => {
useEffect(() => {
const options = {
strings: ["Hello World!", "Welcome to my site."],
typeSpeed: 50,
backSpeed: 25,
loop: true,
};
const typed = new Typed('.element', options);
// Cleanup function to destroy the instance of Typed
return () => {
typed.destroy();
};
}, []);
return <span className="element"></span>;
};
export default TypedComponent;
Causes of Glitching and Double Cursor
-
Component Re-rendering: One common issue in React applications is component re-rendering. If the component that holds the Typed.js instance is re-rendered multiple times, it can create multiple instances, leading to a double cursor effect and glitchy text.
-
Incorrect Cleanup: If the cleanup function in the
useEffecthook does not destroy the Typed instance properly, it might continue to run in the background, leading to unexpected behavior. -
CSS Conflicts: The styles applied to the text element can also contribute to the visual glitch. For instance, having animations on the same element might conflict with Typed.js animations.
Solutions to Fix the Issues
To fix these problems, you can take the following steps:
1. Optimize Component Rendering
Ensure that the Typed.js component does not re-render unnecessarily. You can achieve this by wrapping it in a React.memo or using useMemo for the options.
2. Properly Destroy the Typed Instance
Ensure that the Typed instance is properly destroyed when the component is unmounted. The cleanup function inside the useEffect is crucial for this.
Example Solution
Here’s how you can revise the original code to include these fixes:
import React, { useEffect } from 'react';
import Typed from 'typed.js';
const TypedComponent = React.memo(() => {
useEffect(() => {
const options = {
strings: ["Hello World!", "Welcome to my site."],
typeSpeed: 50,
backSpeed: 25,
loop: true,
};
const typed = new Typed('.element', options);
return () => {
typed.destroy();
};
}, []);
return <span className="element"></span>;
});
export default TypedComponent;
Additional Considerations
-
Check CSS Styles: Make sure that the CSS applied to the text does not conflict with Typed.js. For example, avoid using animations on the text element that could interfere with typing.
-
Update Dependencies: Occasionally, bugs within libraries are resolved in newer versions. Ensure that you are using the latest version of Typed.js to benefit from any fixes or enhancements.
Useful Resources
- Typed.js Documentation – Official documentation for understanding and implementing Typed.js.
- React Documentation – A comprehensive guide on best practices and optimizations in React.
Conclusion
Glitching text and double cursors when using Typed.js in ReactJS can significantly hinder the user experience. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve these issues and have a smoother, more enjoyable text animation experience in your applications. Always remember to keep your libraries up to date and check for any conflicting styles in your CSS.
Feel free to reach out for further questions, and happy coding!
